London › April Guide
Updated: October 10, 2026 • By Santorini Dave
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April is one of the best months to visit London. Parks and gardens are full of spring color, daylight lasts well into the evening, and temperatures are comfortable for walking. The main drawback is the Easter school holidays, when family attractions are crowded and hotel prices can rise.
Mid-April is my favorite time to visit, especially after the Easter school holidays. Early April is often best for cherry blossom, while tulips and bluebells become more prominent as the month progresses.
For April 2027: Easter Sunday falls on March 28, but most London schools remain on holiday through April 9. The Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race is April 11, and the London Marathon is April 25. For most visitors, April 12 to 23 is the best period.
London in April: At a Glance
- Weather: Cool mornings and mild afternoons, with average highs around 13°C to 15°C (55°F to 59°F).
- Rain: Expect a mix of sunshine, clouds, and showers. Longer periods of rain are possible.
- Daylight: Sunset moves from around 7:30 PM at the beginning of April to after 8:15 PM by the end.
- Crowds: Moderate outside school holidays and major events. Easter is particularly busy at family attractions.
- Hotel Prices: Generally higher than in March, with increases around Easter and the London Marathon.
- Spring Flowers: Cherry blossom is often best in late March and early April. Tulips and bluebells become more prominent during April.
- Best Time to Visit: Mid-April, outside the Easter school holidays.
Quick Hotel Picks for April
- Best for First-Time Visitors: NoMad London in Covent Garden.
- Best Luxury Hotel: The Savoy on the Strand.
- Best for Parks: Conrad London St. James near St. James’s Park.
- Best for the British Museum: Kimpton Fitzroy London in Bloomsbury.
- Best for Families: Park Plaza Westminster Bridge on the South Bank.
- Best for Eurostar: St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel.
- Best Affordable Hotel: Motel One Tower Hill.
Early, Mid, and Late April
Early April
Early April can be excellent for cherry blossom, especially after a cool March. Magnolias may still be flowering, and tulips are beginning to appear in parks and gardens.
In 2027, most London schools are on holiday through April 9, so expect bigger crowds at family attractions.
Mid-April
Mid-April is my preferred time for most visitors. Kew Gardens, St. James’s Park, Regent’s Park, Chelsea, and residential parts of Kensington and Notting Hill are particularly attractive.
In 2027, April 12 to 23 avoids the main Easter school holidays and the London Marathon.
Late April
Bluebells are often at their best in woodland areas, and wisteria can begin flowering on sheltered walls.
The London Marathon takes place on April 25, 2027, bringing major road closures and crowds to Greenwich, Canary Wharf, the City, the Embankment, Westminster, and the Mall.
London Weather and Daylight in April
April weather is mild, changeable, and difficult to predict more than a few days ahead. Average afternoon highs are around 13°C to 15°C (55°F to 59°F), with overnight lows near 5°C to 7°C (41°F to 45°F). Cold spells are still possible, especially early in the month, but warm sunny afternoons are not unusual. Rain often arrives as showers, though longer wet spells also occur.
Typical sunset times:
- Early April: Around 7:30 PM.
- Mid-April: Close to 8:00 PM.
- Late April: After 8:15 PM.
Easter and School-Holiday Crowds
In 2027, Easter Sunday is March 28, but most London schools remain closed through Friday, April 9. Exact dates vary by school.
During the Easter break:
- The Natural History Museum, Science Museum, London Eye, Tower of London, and SEA LIFE London Aquarium are particularly busy, including weekdays.
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour and popular timed attractions can sell out weeks ahead.
- Central family rooms and better-value hotels book up earlier.
- Rail and Tube engineering works can disrupt travel over the Easter holiday weekend.
Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays. Large shops in England must close on Easter Sunday, though smaller shops, restaurants, and many attractions can remain open. Public transport operates, but holiday schedules and engineering work can affect journeys.
Families should book major attractions ahead and arrive when they open.
Major April Events
London Marathon: April 25, 2027
The London Marathon runs from southeast London through Greenwich and Canary Wharf, then through the City and Westminster before finishing on the Mall. Expect major road closures, diverted buses, and crowded Tube and DLR stations near the course. Crossing the route at street level can be difficult.
Use the Tube rather than taxis or buses near the course, but allow extra time at busy stations. Tower Bridge and Greenwich are good places to watch the runners. If you have no interest in the race, spend the day in Kensington, Hampstead, Richmond, or Kew, away from the route.
Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race: April 11, 2027
The Boat Race takes place on the Thames between Putney and Mortlake. In 2027, the men’s race starts at 3:40 PM and the women’s race at 4:40 PM. Putney, Hammersmith, Barnes, and Mortlake are popular viewing areas. The race has little effect on sightseeing in Westminster, the West End, the City, or East London.
Best Places to See Spring Flowers
April is one of London’s best months for spring flowers, though the timing changes from year to year. Cherry blossom often peaks earlier in the month, tulips are prominent through much of April, and bluebells generally become more impressive later.
Kew Gardens: Best Overall Spring Display
Kew Gardens is my top recommendation for anyone particularly interested in spring flowers. The gardens have cherry blossom, tulips, magnolias, bluebells, and extensive seasonal planting. Cherry Walk, near the north end of the Temperate House, is especially attractive when the Yoshino cherry trees and tulips flower together, often in late March or early April. The Japanese Landscape and areas around the Palm House are also good for blossom. For bluebells, head toward the Natural Area and Queen Charlotte’s Cottage. Arrive near opening time and allow three to five hours, plus travel. Kew is essential for garden enthusiasts but less important for first-time visitors with only two or three days in London.
St. James’s Park: Best Central Park
St. James’s Park is the easiest place to enjoy spring flowers without sacrificing major sightseeing time. Walk from Buckingham Palace along the lake toward Horse Guards Parade, then continue to Westminster or Trafalgar Square. A relaxed circuit takes about an hour and is almost entirely flat. Daffodils appear earlier in spring, while tulips and formal flower beds become more prominent later.
Regent’s Park: Best for Formal Gardens
The Avenue Gardens in Regent’s Park have formal flower beds, spring bulbs, and flowering trees. Combine the park with Marylebone, Primrose Hill, Camden, or the Wallace Collection. Queen Mary’s Gardens are best known for roses, which peak later in the year.
Notting Hill and Kensington: Best Residential Blossom
Residential streets in Notting Hill, Kensington, and Chelsea have cherry trees, magnolias, and flowering front gardens. These areas do not offer one concentrated blossom trail. Treat the flowers as part of a neighborhood walk through Portobello Road, Westbourne Grove, Holland Park, or Chelsea rather than the sole reason to visit. Wisteria becomes more likely toward late April and May.
Hampton Court Palace: Best Tulip Day Trip
Hampton Court Palace is particularly good in April for its spring tulip displays, formal gardens, Tudor palace, and maze. The annual Tulip Festival typically takes place during the spring flowering season, with dates announced separately each year. Direct trains from Waterloo reach Hampton Court in around 35 to 40 minutes, followed by a short walk across the Thames. Allow most of a day. First-time visitors with a short stay should prioritize central London and Kew.
Where to Stay in London in April
See my full guide to the best places to stay in London and use the London hotel map to compare neighborhoods.
Covent Garden and Soho: Best for First-Time Visitors
Covent Garden and Soho put theaters, restaurants, Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery, and much of the West End within a 5 to 25-minute walk.
NoMad London is my favorite upscale choice. Z Hotel Soho and The Z Hotel Covent Garden cost less but have tiny rooms. Expect crowds and street noise.
St. James’s and Westminster: Best for Parks and Landmarks
St. James’s and Westminster provide easy access to St. James’s Park, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Parliament, and the Thames.
Conrad London St. James sits close to the park and St. James’s Park Underground station. Restaurants and nightlife are weaker than in Soho and Covent Garden.
Bloomsbury: Best for Museums
Bloomsbury is close to the British Museum and within a 15 to 30-minute walk of Covent Garden, Soho, King’s Cross, and Marylebone.
Kimpton Fitzroy London overlooks Russell Square and sits beside a Piccadilly line station with direct service to Heathrow.
Bloomsbury is calmer and frequently better value than Covent Garden, but it has less nightlife immediately outside the hotel.
South Bank and Waterloo: Best for Families
The South Bank is close to the London Eye, SEA LIFE London Aquarium, Southbank Centre, National Theatre, Tate Modern, Westminster, and river boats.
Park Plaza Westminster Bridge has family rooms and an indoor pool. The London Eye and surrounding attractions get very busy during Easter.
King’s Cross and St Pancras: Best for Eurostar
King’s Cross and St Pancras are best for Eurostar arrivals, Thameslink trains, and onward rail travel.
St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel is attached to St Pancras International. The adjoining King’s Cross St Pancras Underground station serves six Tube lines.
The area is exceptionally well connected but less useful for walking to Westminster, the South Bank, or the Tower of London.
Tower Hill and the City: Best Value
The City often has good weekend hotel deals, with easy access to the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Spitalfields, and Thames boats.
Motel One Tower Hill offers a strong balance of comfort, transport, and price.
Parts of the City become quiet after office hours. Stay in Covent Garden or Soho when nightlife matters more than value.
Best Things to Do in London in April
Explore the Tower of London
Arrive when the Tower opens and see the Crown Jewels before the queues build. Allow two to three hours.
Combine the Tower with Tower Bridge, St Dunstan in the East, a Thames boat, or Borough Market rather than crossing London for an unrelated attraction.
Take a Thames Boat to Greenwich
Regular Thames river services have indoor and outdoor seating, making them a good option even when the weather is cool.
In Greenwich, visit the Old Royal Naval College, National Maritime Museum, Greenwich Market, and the viewpoint near the Royal Observatory. The climb through Greenwich Park is steep but paved.
Walk the South Bank
One of London’s best walks runs from Westminster Bridge past the London Eye and National Theatre toward Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, Borough Market, and Tower Bridge.
The full route is long. Break it into sections or use a Thames boat for the return journey.
Visit London’s Museums
London’s museums are good options on rainy days, especially the British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern, and Victoria and Albert Museum.
Family museums can be extremely busy during the Easter school holidays. Arrive at opening or visit later in the afternoon. Book major temporary exhibitions ahead, even when general museum admission is free.
Explore Borough Market and Bankside
Visit Borough Market in the morning, ideally before 11:30 AM. Lunchtime and Saturdays are busiest, while some traders have reduced hours or sell out later in the day.
See a West End Show
Book popular musicals, limited-run plays, and Easter-week performances ahead. Weekday shows generally have better availability than Saturdays.
Visit an Indoor Viewpoint
Sky Garden, Horizon 22, and The View from The Shard offer excellent views across London. Visibility matters more than rain, as low clouds and fog can obscure much of the city.
Sky Garden and Horizon 22 offer free admission options, but reservations are popular. Book as soon as tickets become available.
What to Pack for London in April
- Light waterproof jacket: More useful than a heavy winter coat.
- Removable layers: Mornings and evenings can be much cooler than afternoons.
- Comfortable walking shoes: Water-resistant shoes are helpful for wet pavements and park paths.
- Compact umbrella: Useful during showers, though a hood works better in strong wind.
What to Book Ahead
- Easter Hotels: Book central family rooms and better-value hotels early if visiting during the school holidays.
- Family Attractions: Warner Bros. Studio Tour, the London Eye, and popular timed attractions need advance reservations during Easter.
- Hampton Court Tulip Festival: Check festival dates and book admission ahead for busy weekends.
- Marathon Weekend Hotels: Book early near Greenwich, Canary Wharf, Westminster, and the finish area.
Public Transport in April
Contactless bank cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Oyster cards are the easiest ways to pay for London transport. Use the same card or device for every journey so daily and weekly caps are calculated correctly.
Touch in and out on the Tube, Elizabeth line, DLR, London Overground, and National Rail services that accept contactless payment. On buses, touch in only.
The Elizabeth line is useful from Heathrow for Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon, Liverpool Street, and Canary Wharf. The Heathrow Express is faster to Paddington but less useful for hotels elsewhere.
Check planned closures before Easter travel. On Marathon Sunday, use the Tube rather than buses or taxis near the race route, but expect busy stations and allow extra time.
London in April vs March and May
- March: Quieter, cooler, and frequently cheaper. Good for early spring flowers, though days are shorter.
- April: Greener parks, longer evenings, cherry blossom, tulips, and comfortable walking weather. Avoid Easter school holidays for smaller crowds.
- May: Warmer, with longer days and better odds of pleasant outdoor weather. Hotel prices and crowds can increase around bank holidays.
About Santorini Dave